Anderson man works to bring submarine parts to memorial

Anderson Township resident and U.S. Navy veteran Joseph Jaap, left, stands with Captain Rex Settllemore. Jaap has worked for more than 13 years to bring the conning tower and other equipment from the decommissioned USS Cincinnati submarine to serve as the focal point of the USS Cincinnati - Cold War Memorial.

Attorney, Cincinnati native, and U.S. Navy veteran, Joseph Jaap has worked more than 13 years to bring the conning tower and other equipment from the nuclear-powered submarine USS Cincinnati to serve as the focal point of the USS Cincinnati - Cold War Memorial.

The sub was decommissioned in 1996 after nearly 20 years of Cold War service in all the oceans of the world. Jaap serves as project coordinator of the private non-profit group working with the Navy and local civic officials.

The massive conning tower, rudder, and sail planes of USS Cincinnati, totaling more than 50 tons, rolled into downtown Cincinnati on Aug. 24 on three flatbed trailers for the official welcome and arrival ceremony.

These iconic components will be installed as the focal point of the Cold War memorial planned for the city's riverfront park along the Ohio River.

The parts were transported across the country from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard near Seattle.

Jaap said it's perfect for the submarine's final mission to be here in Cincinnati. "The memorial will honor and commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, and also civilians and local Cincinnati companies, over several decades, which contributed to the successful conclusion of the 50-year Cold War struggle."